We have just heard that some cavy fanciers have resurrected the South West Championship show, which used to be held at Gloucester. They have now secured premises at a venue called Junction 24 at Bridgwater, and their show will be held this year on 3rd May. It’s a place I am familiar with, and is usually a livestock auction venue for pigs, sheep, cows etc. There are very good facilities and it is literally right next to the M5 motorway (at Junction 24), ideal for a small livestock show. They are hoping the show will become a permanent annual fixture and have invited rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters to be involved in 2027.
A good show in an easily accessible location in the West Country would also be a great addition to our show calendar.
Thanks for the info Steve. It appears the Cavy show is to be held this year and if successful, other Fancies can join in 2027. The venue is called the Sedgemoor Auction Centre and was built only a few years ago. It is about 20 miles from where I live, so health permitting, I would hope to go. A good 125 miles closer, for me, than the nearest mouse show this year.!! Hopefully, mouse fanciers from further afield will support it, as we in the South West need to go to shows, which are 150-250 miles away, in order to show our mice.
Sounds really good. Phil
This is potentially great news for the NMC and in particular those members who are based further South. We need to gratefully accept this kind invitation from the cavy fancy and make sure the date is firmly in the NMC Calendar for 2027 and beyond.
I don’t know if historically we have had a mouse section at the South Western Championship show in the past. If we have then let’s resurrect it and if not then let’s rectify that from next year! 🙂
Mike, I have already asked the cavy lady to notify either me or the NMC secretary as soon as a date is set for 2027.
Hi All,
I show cavies so can give you all my first hand feedback after the May show.
I haven’t actually been to this venue yet, but it sounds very accessible being so close to the M5.
The cavy team have decided not to be part of the Bradford Championships at Doncaster going forward. I am not sure if you know that. I am not part of the executive who made that decision, but I get the feeling that the rabbits had just taken over ! A new venue for a show in the north is being sourced. I think something like the Real London show in Bracknell is planned. Might the mice showers be interested in joining that show?
Best Wishes to all for a great Easter weekend,
Elisabeth.
Thank you for the news, Elisabeth. I agree, Bradford CS seems to be all about the rabbits. I think there is every likelihood of interest in a mouse section at an alternative venue to Doncaster. Once more details are confirmed, it will be something for the executive committee to discuss. Happy Easter to you, too.